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Texans DE J.J. Watt is lights-out player

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt takes the field before last week's game against the Miami Dolphins in Houston.

Chances are J.J. Watt is only getting started this NFL season, but after one game, he can already claim one award: his first nickname.

J.J. Swat.

“I like it,” Swat, er, Watt said. “I just don’t like that it doesn’t incorporate anything else. I don’t want to just be known for batting balls. I want to be known for sacks and all of that.”

Watt already is being recognized for doing all of that. A Houston Texans second-year defensive end, he had 1.5 sacks, three tackles and three batted passes (two of which were intercepted) in last week’s win over Miami.

If Minnesota’s Jared Allen was Concern A for the Jaguars last week — and he was neutralized by left tackle Eugene Monroe, Watt is Problem 1A when the Jaguars play Houston in Sunday’s home opener.

The Texans will look to pounce on a banged-up Jaguars offensive line that could be without right tackle Cameron Bradfield and left guard Eben Britton.

Watt became a focal point for the Texans’ impressive front seven when free agent Mario Williams departed for Buffalo and $50 million guaranteed.

A starter last year who had 5.5 sacks, Watt missed all of this preseason with a left elbow injury before his strong debut.

“It felt really good to go back out there and actually tackle somebody,” he said.

Unlike the Vikings, who kept Allen stationed at right end, the Texans move Watt along the line.

Watt played 48 snaps vs. the Dolphins – 19 at left end, 14 at right end, 13 at left defensive tackle and two at right defensive tackle.

Because of Houston’s scheme, which includes three- and four-linemen packages, the Jaguars’ interior line will have responsibilities against Watt.

“He’s a good athlete for his size [6-foot-5, 295 pounds], but it’s his effort and tenacity along with his talent that makes him hard to block,” Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey said.

Watt’s background formed his want-to level.

A native of Pewaukee, Wis., he committed to play tight end at Central Michigan, but coach Brian Kelly left for Cincinnati before Watt arrived on campus. He lasted one year with CMU.

Watt returned home to work at Pizza Hut. The Aha Moment came when a young boy recognized him during a delivery, triggering a regrouping stage.

Watt transferred to Wisconsin and switched to defensive end and quickly discovered he had found a home … and a future.

“When I was on the scout team, they had just moved me to defense, and I didn’t know what I was doing,” he said. “I didn’t know a scheme. I didn’t know a technique or anything. They just said, ‘Line up inside, run over the guy in front of you. That’s all we want you to do.’ … I actually ran over somebody and I was like, ‘Holy cow. This is the Wisconsin Badgers. I think I might have a chance at this.’”

Eleven sacks, 70 pounds added and two years later, he was drafted No. 11 overall by the Texans. Houston improved from 29th in yards allowed to fourth last season with new coordinator Wade Phillips calling the shots.

“We expected great things from J.J.,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “Obviously, it’s happened very, very quickly. … For a young guy, he’s got a lot of people looking at him and following him, and that’s a good thing because he’s such a great example.”

Although they are different players and personalities, Houston needs Watt to have similar numbers to Williams, who left as the franchise leader in sacks (53). It’s a pressure Watt doesn’t try to deflect.

“That’s nice, and I appreciate it,” Watt said. “You never really want to be another player, but I like high expectations.”

After reaching the playoffs for the first time and advancing to the second round, expectations are high for the Texans. They are 7½-point favorites over the Jaguars, only the 13th time in franchise history they’ve been a road favorite and just the third time at a division opponent.

Again, Watt says bring on the bull’s-eye target.

“I think it’s a good thing,” he said. “It’s a sign of respect. But you can’t let up because people think you’re the front-runner. You have to go out there and act like you’re the hunters every week.”